Political Quotes

“Now, in this era of budget surpluses, we must resist the temptation to create new untested Federal programs. Instead, I believe that, before we pass any new programs, we must first fulfill a promise we made a quarter of a century ago, a promise to assist our local schools so that they can provide our special needs children with a public education. Time and again, I hear our States and schools must sacrifice other educational needs and priorities in order to make up for the Federal shortfall on IDEA funding. For example, the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys in my Congressional District must find nearly $5 million in additional funds to cover the Federal share for educating special education students. I am sure there are a lot of other things those schools could do with $5 million if the Federal government would simply live up to its obligation. I am hopeful the President will join us in this important endeavor.”